Sign in

Julie Blaha

@julieblaha.bsky.social
1.3K followers 227 following 76 posts

Personal account of the Minnesota State Auditor and award winning MN State Fair crop artist.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Julie Blaha
🌸ayana🌸 @ayanajsk.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I feel bad for Zack Filipovich. IT's clear he's the only one in this debate who knows what the state auditor does, how local & state governments interact, and identified a real issue (CPA cliff) that's going to hit local governments hard. His opponents are ignorant to all this.
2214
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Join us Wednesday!
061
Reposted by Julie Blaha
MinnPost @minnpost.com · 13/07/2026
The Republican-endorsed candidate for state auditor has embellished his record in an attempt to draw a contrast with his competitor. His campaign has promised to clarify the exaggerations.
minnpost.com
The Republican-endorsed candidate for auditor claimed to be a ‘certified fraud examiner.’ He is not.
State auditor candidate Nate George has a prolific list of jobs, military service and credentials, but he’s also embellished his resume.
01110
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
I need to incorporate these into a Blaha Blast. And I don’t believe @biketrouble.bsky.social is sorry.
320
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
A year ago today we learned about the assignation of the Hortmans and the attack on the Hoffmans. I want to write something inspiring or comforting, but my thoughts are just a mess.
A trifle desert made of layers of yellow cake, Fruity Pebbles cereal, and cheesecake flavored Jello pudding in a glass bowl.
130
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Terrific choice!
030
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I’m getting a lot of questions about what I’m looking for in the next state auditor. The ability to keep politics out of state investments is an important skill in my book.
open.substack.com
Balance, Will, and the SBI
Why the State Auditor keeps politics out of the State Board of Investments.
001
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Rachel Bachman, WSJ sports reporter @realbachscore.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
It’s the first time the US men’s and women’s hockey teams have won gold in the same Olympics 🥇🥇
592939697
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Tell Congress what you think of funding ICE: secure.ngpvan.com/WK8R7RyEZEGS...
072
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Doron Clark @doronclark.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
We’re so proud of our Edison students for speaking up and using their voices today against this ICE occupation. Thanks Auditor @julieblaha.bsky.social for joining me today and helping keep our students safe!
212428
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
“We will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, of peace. And tonight I come before you simply to ask: Don’t let anyone take that away from us.” -Gov Walz 7 min message on the impact of ICE in MN, an ask to monitor ICE, and a message to Trump. www.youtube.com/live/-4SzhSp...
youtube.com
LIVE: Governor Walz addresses ongoing federal presence
YouTube video by WDIO
001
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Others speak more eloquently than I on the humanitarian and justice aspects of ICE in Minnesota, so I’ll focus on the practical aspects.
Text reads: 
Why would the State Auditor want ICE out of Minnesota?

I analyze impacts on local communities based on risks and results. I apply the same logic here.

The risks are clear:
* ICE agents are under trained
* ICE actions are poorly planned
* ICE targets are often inaccurate or random

The results are clear:
* False detention of citizens
* Fear and uncertainty
* Injury and now death

The conclusion is obvious:
ICE needs to leave now.

State Auditor
Julie Blaha
1115
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
"It is a devastating day in Minnesota. A federal ICE agent shot and killed one of our community members, Renee Nicole Good. This was as preventable as it is shocking. 

I’m thinking of her family as they face an unimaginable loss. I also recognize the bystanders who witnessed this violence as they were protecting their neighbors. Trauma like this has a lasting impact far beyond a single moment and touches an entire community.

ICE’s presence in our state has not made Minnesota any safer, and instead has brought fear, chaos, and harm into our neighborhoods. For the sake of the safety of Minnesotans, ICE needs to leave Minnesota now.

For the sake of the integrity of an investigation, federal officials need to reserve judgment until they have reviewed the evidence. The major, obvious errors evident in the Trump administration characterization of the shooting suggest they have not made even a cursory review of the facts.

Like many of you, I’m angry and heartbroken. It’s important that we stay connected to the truth, protest peacefully, and watch out for our neighbors. It’s clear that President Trump and his administration will be looking for a reason to escalate this moment. We don’t need to give them one."
044
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Minnesota State Auditor @mnstateauditor.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha released the following statement on this morning’s fatal shooting in Minneapolis:
"It is a devastating day in Minnesota. A federal ICE agent shot and killed one of our community members, Renee Nicole Good. This was as preventable as it is shocking. 
I’m thinking of her family as they face an unimaginable loss. I also recognize the bystanders who witnessed this violence as they were protecting their neighbors. Trauma like this has a lasting impact far beyond a single moment and touches an entire community.
ICE’s presence in our state has not made Minnesota any safer, and instead has brought fear, chaos, and harm into our neighborhoods. For the sake of the safety of Minnesotans, ICE needs to leave Minnesota now.
For the sake of the integrity of an investigation, federal officials need to reserve judgment until they have reviewed the evidence. The major, obvious errors evident in the Trump administration's characterization of the shooting suggest they have not made even a cursory review of the facts.
Like many of you, I’m angry and heartbroken. It’s important that we stay connected to the truth, protest peacefully, and watch out for our neighbors. It’s clear that President Trump and his administration will be looking for a reason to escalate this moment. We don’t need to give them one."
031
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
As of Wed afternoon, here is the latest on the ICE agent who shot a Minnesota woman this morning. Mayor Frey, Minneapolis Police Chief presser: www.youtube.com/live/QABt2PL... Gov Walz, MN Dept of Public Safety, State Troopers presser: www.youtube.com/live/-VhtJ2w... Stand with Minneapolis.
youtube.com
January 7, 2026 City leaders hold briefing on federal shooting in Minneapolis press conference
YouTube video by cityofminneapolis
030
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Thank you @governorwalz.mn.gov.
y force in politics pushes elected officials to focus on their personal ambitions. And at a time when political winds are blowing the hardest, it’s admirable when someone can cut through that noise and make the best decision for the people they serve.

Governor Walz successfully led us through an unprecedented period in history. He has made, and is still making, life for Minnesotans better. 

His choice not to run again exemplifies the selflessness that makes him successful in serving our state.

Governor Walz is exactly who we needed in some of the toughest times Minnesota has ever faced.

Passing the torch in a way that protects the flame from hurricane force political winds is a gift to all of us.

Thank you, Coach.”

-State Auditor Julie Blaha
060
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Facts matter. Read the full study here: www.annualreviews.org/content/jour...
Text that reads “Immigrants are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than people born in the U.S. That continues a trend that’s been true for 150 years.

-Annual Review of Criminology”
070
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Thanks to all our veterans who stepped up for their values despite the risks.
The quote “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer, by General Jimmy Doolittle” under flag graphics.
020
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
The anniversary honors people who died on the job, and the artists who make sure we remember. Check out the the best video on the #WreckoftheEdmundFitzgerald I’ve ever seen.
youtu.be
Music Making History: Gordon Lightfoot & The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
YouTube video by Minnesota Historical Society
021
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Local government matters - make sure it matters to your state auditor candidate. www.startribune.com/candidate-ca...
startribune.com
Opinion | Candidates should stay in their lanes
Every level of government, from city councils to school boards, has a defined scope. That clarity is foundational to good governance, Shannon Watson writes.
051
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
www.startribune.com/mn-fraud-sca...
startribune.com
State Auditor Julie Blaha: Let’s clear things up on Minnesota fraud
"Let’s start with a shared understanding of how oversight in government works," State Auditor Julie Blaha writes. "I think of it like a hockey game — with fewer lost teeth."
033
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Get up to speed on all the rapture talk among the youths. Get ready to tell the kids that they still need to do tonight’s homework regardless of their fate tomorrow.
040
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
If tame jokes about Trump answering “How are you doing after Kirk’s death?” by rambling about his new ballroom get threats from the @fcc, free speech is under attack. www.cnn.com/2025/09/17/m...
cnn.com
ABC yanks Jimmy Kimmel’s show ‘indefinitely’ after remarks about Charlie Kirk | CNN Business
Disney’s ABC is taking Jimmy Kimmel’s late night talk show off the air indefinitely amid a controversy over his recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer.
1151
Reposted by Julie Blaha
shauna @goldengateblond.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
this is what gave the big tuff alpha dudes the vapors
13445100
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I was literally in the middle of writing a post condemning the shooting of Charlie Kirk when the news of students shot at Evergreen High School came in. This has to stop.
0186
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Election 2026 announcement: The OSA is in a strong position and can handle a transition, so I won’t be seeking re-election. Thank you all for the opportunity of a lifetime. Let’s use the next 16 months to take the work we do close to home even further. www.facebook.com/share/v/1Z2s...
facebook.com
Redirecting...
9378
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 28/08/2025
“The thing that’s going to stick with me,” said Shea McAdaragh, a parent who witnessed the shooting, “was when I said you guys can get up, and I knew some kids weren’t going to get up.”
bit.ly
Inside Annunciation Church, terror and heroism as an attack unfolded
“The thing that’s going to stick with me,” said Shea McAdaragh, a parent who witnessed the shooting, “was when I said you guys can get up, and I knew some kids weren’t going to get up.”
0249
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Wondering what to say to your kids when they come home from school today? Here are ideas from the American School Counselors Association: www.schoolcounselor.org/Publications... . Care for yourself too - if you feel really rough, call or text 988 for emergency support. 988lifeline.org
schoolcounselor.org
After a School Shooting Resources - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Description field
12114
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Let’s make crop art to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman. I am using my annual fundraiser to create a piece for this year’s State Fair Crop Art Competition’s new team division and raise money for the MN DFL House Caucus. facebook.com/events/s/lfc...
Campaign style button made from seeds reading “Let’s @#$* crop!
1182
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
The rich must be incentivised; the poor must be disciplined. The political economy of the super-elite in one headline.
801126183935
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Oh, this is going to be a good year. www.mnstatefair.org/new/food/?ut...
Pictures of eight new state fair foods.
072
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Double rainbow in the 55303! #mnwx
Double rainbow over road and trees.
040
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Whether you celebrate a fresh ledger, new laws, or meeting June audit deadlines: Happy New Fiscal Year ! Though local govs use a calendar year for finances, and the feds use Oct 1 - Sept 30, the state level’s July 1 - June 30 fiscal year drives deadlines & changes across MN.
media.tenor.com
a clock that has the hands on the numbers 1 and 12
Alt: Decorative spinning spiral shaped clock.
030
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Our pins had flowers Melissa loved, there were as many hugs as tears, and a theme of peace flowed through the eulogies and songs. The funeral was as beautiful as the Hortmans’ spirits, and powerful enough to push aside the horror of why we had to gather, even if only for a little while.
Round lapel pin that reads In Honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman with a drawing of an iris bloom in the center.
0112
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Text of poem When there are no words

we question the utility of speeches
the futility of actions
and then we remember the dignity 
of an oath
to represent and defend the people.
we ask our leaders to listen
our representatives to advocate.
we bring them our individual concerns
and place them in their hands
to become collective goals and solutions.
but there are no timelines or explanations
there are no words for
the gut punch of grief.
we grieve for as long as we need
we who are left behind in a space
we cannot fill with
only memories and sadness
but a space to fill
— when we are ready —
with the same passion
the same compassion
they showed us
and carry it forward to honor
all the good they did.
And then there are no words 
to fully honor and remember them — only 
the acts of kindness we hold out to each other 
in the same way
they held out their hands to us.

Gwen Westerman
Minnesota Poet Laureate
041
Reposted by Julie Blaha
MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/06/2025
The late Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark will lie in state at the Capitol on Friday. Private funeral services are set to follow on Saturday. The Hortmans were killed in their home earlier this month in an alleged political assassination.
mprnews.org
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman, husband Mark to lie in state Friday
The late Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark will lie in state at the Capitol on Friday. Private funeral services are set to follow on Saturday.
35016
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
This is how I felt at the vigil on Wednesday. Read her full commentary here: www.startribune.com/minnesota-la...
Clip highlighted from a newspaper article titled “Takeaway from vigil: Not just reflection, but response.”Highlighted text is “It was not closure. It was inheritance.”
011
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Starting now:
youtube.com
Officials to provide update on search for suspect
YouTube video by Minnesota Department of Public Safety
010
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Let’s take some time today to support the abortion providers and advocates who were also targeted by Hortmans’ assassin.
1224
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
I’ll miss clapping for Melissa.
Collage of four pictures. Three pictures of Melissa Hortman speaking to crowds, with Julie Blaha listening to the speech. One picture of crowd holding signs with Hortman, Hoffman, and Raines in the middle.
1154
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
I am heartbroken over the deaths of Rep Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the critical conditions of Sen John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. They are more than dear friends, but also some of the greatest public servants I have ever known. Violence has no place in our democracy.
0161
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 14/06/2025
I will provide an update on last night’s targeted shootings shortly: youtube.com/live/VHtHNAb...
youtube.com
State officials provide update on overnight incidents in Brooklyn Park, Champlin
YouTube video by Minnesota Department of Public Safety
30064381586
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Governor Walz will hold a press conference at 9:30 am today on the early morning shoootings of Rep Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, Senator John Hoffman, and Yvette Hoffman. www.youtube.com/live/VHtHNAb...
youtube.com
State officials provide update on overnight incidents in Brooklyn Park, Champlin
YouTube video by Minnesota Department of Public Safety
071
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Indivisible of Bemidji, Minnesota @indivisiblebemidji.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
We need everyone out this Saturday ✊️ No Kings Rally, June 14 at 1pm at the Northwest Indian Community Development Center, 1819 Bemidji Avenue. Julie Blaha, Minnesota State Auditor, will be joining us to inspire us prior to our hitting the streets! Bring Peace. Bring Friends.
021
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Greater MN will stand up for democracy Saturday! I’m going to fire up the people in Bemidji -where will you go? #NoKings
040
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Jennifer Brooks @stribrooks.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
This is the weirdest watch list since the White House imposed tariffs on penguins.
1113
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
The Minnesota counties on Trump’s “Sanctuary Watch List” are pretty random. One more bit of #TrumpChaos overextended local staff don’t have time for.
040
Julie Blaha @julieblaha.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
000
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Tim Murphy @timothypmurphy.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
the first 100 Daves
0133
Reposted by Julie Blaha
Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan @ltgovflanagan.mn.gov · 24/04/2025
Over the last six years, Minnesota has shown the country what it means to govern like good neighbors.   Regardless of the chaos in Washington, our administration is still laser-focused on making Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
031034